Dario Franchitti is determined to bounce back into the CART FedEx Series title race after his hopes of victory in California were dashed by a first-corner, seven-car pile-up.

The Scot had hoped to celebrate his 100th Champ Car race with a win that would consolidate his challenge among the leaders.

But his Team Kol Green car was knocked out the race by Michael Jourdain after only 1.9 seconds at Laguna Seca on Sunday.

The 29-year-old from Bathgate now lies in fifth place, with Jourdain in second and the winner in California, Cristiano da Matta, now out in front.

Franchitti said: "Now we have to take what we learned about the car and come back and get them at Portland next week.

"I was trying to stay out of trouble in the first corner, but one guy hit Michael and spun him around. I thought I was clear.

"But, when Michael tried to rejoin the race, he spun it in reverse and hit me. I was a sitting duck.

"I was pretty pissed off really as I'd such high hopes for a good finish."

Finishing positions in the Monterey Shell 300 at Laguna Seca Raceway:
(US unless stated)

1 Cristiano da Matta (Bra)
2 Christian Fittipaldi (Bra)
3 Kenny Brack (Swe)
4 Bruno Junqueira (Bra)
5 Patrick Carpentier (Can)
6 Scott Dixon (Aus)
7 Townsend Bell
8 Jimmy Vasser
9 Michel Jourdain jnr (Mex)
10 Alex Tagliani (Can)

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